Atrial myxoma - right

Definition

Atrial myxoma is a cardiac tumor involving the connective tissue within the heart's upper chambers (atria). The tumor may be located in the right or left atrium. (See also Atrial myxoma - left.)

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Most tumors in the heart are caused by the spread (metastasis) of cancerous cells from other tumors. Tumors originating in the heart (primary tumors of the heart) are rare. Of the primary cardiac tumors, myxomas are the most common.

Women are more likely to be affected than men. Some atrial myxomas are inherited. Family history is a risk factor.

About 75% of cardiac myxomas are in the left atrium (atrial myxoma - left), and the rest are in the right atrium. Right atrial myxomas are sometimes associated with tricuspid stenosis and Atrial Fibrillation.

Symptoms

Right atrial myxomas rarely produce symptoms until they have grown to be at least 13 cm (about 5 inches) in diameter. Symptoms may occur at any time, although they typically accompany changes in body position. Symptoms may include the following:

• Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
  o on exertion
  o when lying down (orthopnea)
  o when asleep (paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea)
  
• Dizziness
  
• Fatigue, tiredness
  
• Fainting (syncope)
  
• Sensation of feeling the heart beat (palpitations)
  
• Swelling of the feet, legs, or any body part (edema)
  
• Swelling of the abdomen
  
• Prominent veins in the neck
  

Other possible symptoms include:

• Chest pain or tightness
  
• Cough
  
• Fever
  
• Involuntary Weight loss of more than 5% of body weight
  
• General discomfort (malaise)
  
• Joint pain
  
• Blueness (cyanosis) of skin
  o especially fingers
  o with cold or emotional stress
  
• Curvature of nails accompanied with soft tissue enlargement (clubbing) of fingers
  
• Awakening at night to urinate (nocturia)